The Credit Union Development Education Program is sustained by a corps of volunteers dedicated to growing the credit union movement by assisting credit unions in the delivery of our core philosophy of "people helping people." |
|  Linking our past with credit unions' present, the DE Program strives to bring renewed relevance to the phrase, "People Helping People." Through discussions of cultures and movements in developing nations, our own roots are brought to vivid life. Through presentations on community development and low-income credit unions, a new light is shed on the inherent power of our cooperative structure. And through group work, participants learn a practical lesson on diversity and relying on others to solve problems.
When it's over, people leave revitalized. They leave with a clear understanding that societal issues are, indeed, global, and that credit unions have the unique ability to improve the lives of people everywhere.
Every year, people from all parts of the credit union movement (indeed, many parts of the world) become certified as Development Educators (DEs). These individuals commit volunteer and professional time to take the credit union message to audiences throughout the country. In addition to promoting the credit union idea, involvement in the Program provides DEs with an excellent opportunity for career development and personal enrichment.
Becoming a DE is a commitment - a very rewarding one. Staff and volunteers, alike, can benefit from participation in this innovative learning experience and joining the proud ranks of DEs around the world. In order to qualify for entrance to the program, individuals must: - be an employee or volunteer of a credit union, league, association and/or service organizations or, in the case of international participants, an association affiliated with the World Council of Credit Unions;
- be willing to devote a reasonable amount of work and personal time for development-related volunteer activities of their choosing.
Program graduates are expected to complete at least one volunteer project of their choosing.
The DE Program is presented by the National Credit Union Foundation with support from World Council of Credit Unions, Credit Union National Association and CUNA Mutual Group.
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Western CUNA Management School Western CUNA Management School is sponsored by the thirteen western state leagues of the Credit Union National Association in cooperation with Pomona College. Students attend the school for three two-week terms over consecutive summers. The university- level faculty is made up of distinguished professors, attorneys, high level credit union professionals and consultants. To promote the learning experience, students live in Pomona College dormitories and take their meals in its dining halls. In addition to the three annual sessions, students complete a written project between each term: Project I, an analysis of the student's credit union, and Project II, which involves strategic planning for the credit union's future. Students also take a comprehensive examination at the end of each school year.
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